Supply – Raiders add Gardner Minshew to compete for QB job

HENDERSON, Nev. — The Las Vegas Raiders have agreed to phrases with veteran quarterback Gardner Minshew on a two-year, $25 million free agent contract with $15 million assured to compete with second-year quarterback Aidan O’Connell, a supply confirmed to ESPN.

The addition of Minshew seemingly drops the Raiders out of discussions to amass quarterback Justin Fields from the Chicago Bears, however not out of the operating to commerce up from No. 13 within the draft to pick out one of many high quarterback prospects. Whereas coach Antonio Pierce has been upfront about wanting a franchise QB — “You do not need to put a Band-Assist on the place,” Pierce mentioned on the NFL scouting mix — he has been linked to LSU’s Jayden Daniels, whom he recruited initially to Arizona State.

Some sore emotions may must be ironed out between Minshew and Raiders Professional Bowl edge rusher Maxx Crosby, who referred to as the QB a “little-ass boy” in a New 12 months’s Eve recreation on the Indianapolis Colts after Minshew didn’t take Crosby’s hand to assist him up after a play, Crosby mentioned.

Minshew parlayed a one-year deal price lower than $3 million into a robust season for Indianapolis, beginning 13 video games rather than injured starter Anthony Richardson and throwing for 15 touchdowns and a career-high 3,305 yards.

His efficiency helped the Colts make a late playoff push, which in the end fell quick, and allowed him to money in on a further $2 million in incentives for enjoying 60% of the workforce’s offensive snaps.

Minshew, 27, additionally turned a Professional Bowler for the primary time, standing in as an alternate for the AFC.

The credibility Minshew supplied as a backup was a key ingredient for the Colts, who rallied round him and improved by 5 wins over the earlier season. Minshew’s intelligence, in response to coach Shane Steichen, was important to his success because it enabled him to make good pre-snap selections that elevated the probabilities of profitable performs.

Minshew’s subsequent step was at all times unsure, but it surely was no secret that he was in search of a chance with extra potential for enjoying time. He misplaced a place battle final summer time, and Richardson, the No. 4 general decide within the 2023 draft, is anticipated to reclaim his beginning job this fall after shoulder surgical procedure.

Minshew has began 37 video games in his 5 seasons, together with 20 begins with the Jacksonville Jaguars over the 2019-2020 seasons, and has thrown for 9,937 yards with 59 touchdowns and 24 interceptions.

The information of Minshew’s settlement was first reported by NFL Community.

ESPN’s Stephen Holder contributed to this report.